Armoured Mist Frog

Litoria lorica

Australia's Threatened Species Category

Critically Endangered

Listed since: 13/07/2017

IUCN's Threatened Species Category

Critically Endangered

Listed since: 13/04/2021

Population trend: Stable

Other names: Little Waterfall Frog

Priority Species? No

The Australian government's Threatened Species Action Plan 2022-2032 selected over 100 priority species derive from consultation with threatened species experts and the wider community. While all species are important, focusing on a limited number of species can help target effort and resources so that outcomes can be achieved, measured and shared.

Description

The Armoured Mist Frog is a rainforest species which is endemic to the Wet Tropics bioregion of north-east Queensland. The population is restricted to 4km of fast flowing steam habitat with the total population size in 2014 estimated at 600 - 1000. They inhabit rocky sections in the splash zones of waterfalls and rainforest streams and may be found in rocks and crevices and it is one of a small number of frogs in the world that live entirely on waterfalls. This species seems to be persisting bettin in hotter and drier environments than in cooler, wetter core rainforest areas. In 2023, 50 frogs were successfully translocated to a new site in the Wet Tropics to establish a subpopulation with a further 50 frogs to be added in 2024 to support the new population.

Threats

The Armoured Mist Frog has experiences substantial range contractions and population decline between 1988 and 1994. The species have low reproduction rates with their decline believed to be due to the chytrid fungus.

Quollity Conservation Hub's Vulnerability Score:

50

To help compare the relative vulnerability of different species, we have developed a scoring system based on biological and ecological characteristics that influence a species' ability to survive and recover from environmental change and natural disasters.

The framework is adapted from assessment methods used by conservation experts following the Black Summer bushfires to help identify species most in need of conservation action, research, and recovery funding.

Each species is assessed using a range of factors, including its conservation status, lifespan, reproductive rate, habitat and dietary requirements, ability to disperse or recover after fire, and the number and severity of threats it faces.

In general, the higher a species' score, the greater its overall vulnerability and risk of decline or extinction.

Like all conservation assessments, this scoring system is limited by the information currently available. Many threatened species remain poorly studied and receive limited research funding, meaning some assessments rely on the best available scientific knowledge or information from closely related species. As new research becomes available, scores may be updated to reflect our improved understanding.